OLPHERT 2015 End of Year Parade

HMNZS OLPHERT held its End of Year Parade and Prize giving on Tuesday 8th December at it's new Headquarters in Petone. The guest speaker was Captain Dave Gibbs, RNZN, Assistant Chief of Navy (Strategy and Engagement).

Image Right: Medal and Prize recipients.

The 2015 Awards and Prizes were presented as follows:

Volunteer Reserve Decoration (VRD) is awarded for 15 years efficient Service in the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve. The Clasp to the VRDis awarded for a further 10 years of efficient service.

New Zealand Defence Service Medal (with Territorial Clasp) The New Zealand Defence Service Medal is awarded to members of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for three years’ Service in the NZDF as a Regular, Territorial, for National Service or Compulsory Military Training.

Awarded to: LT E Gailitis VRD, RNZNVR (Rtd).

Bledisloe Cup OLPHERT Best AWQ(N) Score. Each year HMNZS OLPHERT conducts the RNZN Annual Weapons qualification shoot. This award is presented to the Officer or Rating from HMNZS OLPHERT who achieves the highest AWQ(N) in the year.

Awarded to:CPO R Grant, RNZNVR.

AB Cox Memorial Cup for Efficiency is presented to the Rating who been most efficient in terms of his or her service including time spent on training courses and other activities.

Awarded to: OMTO Sherborne, RNZNVR.

Chris Caldwell Memorial Prize is awarded to a member of the Division who displays dedication to duty at OLPHERT.

Awarded to: WOWEF T Lapham.

J. B Smith Trophy for the Best All Round Maritime Operator Rating is presented to the best All round Maritime Trade Operator Rating in the Division.

Awarded to:OMTO Bull, RNZNVR.

F.E. Taylor Sword for Best All Round Junior Officer.

Awarded to: Sub Lieutenant C Casey, RNZNVR.

Chief of Navy Book Prize and RNZNA Prize for Best all Round Rating. The prize is awarded to the best all-round rating in each unit. The individual is selected by the unit commanding officer, from nominations received by the Heads of Department with equal consideration being given to each of the following attributes: (1) technical knowledge, (2) leadership, (3) bearing, (4) appearance of uniform, and (5) conduct.

The prize is accompanied by the Royal New Zealand Naval Association (RNZNA) Prize for the Best all Round Rating in the Division.